CARP Elena Cuza

“Our colleagues who work on PCs … are pleased because their work became more easy after receiving licenses for professional programs.”

— Mihai Andrei Nicolae, PR assistant

Technology Boosts Group Devoted to Helping Romanian Retirees

The Association for Social Services and Benefits for Pensioners “Elena Cuza” (CARP Elena Cuza) has helped more than 30,000 Romanian retirees access proper medical care, social services, and — when needed — financial help.

One of organization’s most daring projects was to protest against plans to explore for shale gas in the city of Barlad. CARP created informative flyers, held press conferences, and recruited 3,000 people from the organization to join a protest in Barlad in February 2013.

In addition to providing social services, CARP offers financial help for those in need. Technology plays an essential role in monitoring and keeping the financial records. Acquiring affordable technology though TechSoup Romania has made a big difference in helping the organization improve its workflow. Moreover, CARP was able to upgrade to the newest and fastest technology.

“Our colleagues who work on PCs (to create graphic projects, a magazine, and material promoting the association) are more relaxed and pleased because their work became more easy after receiving licenses for professional programs,” says Mihai Andrei Nicolae, PR assistant for CARP.

In addition, updated programs for editing and graphic design have helped the organization communicate better with beneficiaries. “This is a real achievement because we work mainly with elderly people, most often people overwhelmed by life’s difficulties,” Nicolae notes.